CAR IS VANDALIZED

DELRAY BEACH -- Deputies are investigating whether vandalism of a car owned by a Tarmac Industries manager is related to the 5-week-old strike at the plant, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's report.

The manager was in the Delray Book Store at 2507 N. Federal Highway when the vandal struck on Thursday afternoon, the report noted. When he returned to his car, a 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, he found two tires slashed, the door forced open and a car phone and radar detector gone. The cord of a two-way radio also had been cut, according to the report.

Deputies also are investigating another act of vandalism at the Tarmac Industries plant at 1300 S. Swinton Ave.

Two men cut the 25-foot conveyor belt on a crusher parked outside the plant, according to reports. The two men began to cut a second belt when a security guard interrupted them and they fled on foot, the report said.

About 215 Tarmac workers from 15 South Florida plants have been on strike since July 9, eight days after their contract expired. The firm manufactures and delivers concrete.

Tony Cannestro, president of Teamsters Local 769, which represents the strikers, has denied any knowledge of vandalism to company vehicles or equipment.